William Rastell facts for kids
William Rastell (born 1508 – died 27 August 1565) was an English printer and a judge. He was also related to the famous Sir Thomas More.
William Rastell was born in London. His father, John Rastell, was also a printer. His mother, Elizabeth More, was the sister of Sir Thomas More, a very important writer and statesman.
When William was seventeen, he went to the University of Oxford. He probably left early to help run his father's printing business.
Contents
Becoming a Member of Parliament
William Rastell became a Member of Parliament (MP) several times. This meant he was chosen to represent different areas in the English government.
- In October 1553, he was an MP for Hindon.
- In April 1554, he was an MP for Ripon.
- In 1555, he was an MP for Canterbury.
His Career as a Printer and Judge
Rastell's printing office was in Fleet Street in St Bride's churchyard in London. He printed many books, including some law books and works by his uncle, Sir Thomas More.
In 1532, he started studying law at Lincoln's Inn, a famous place for lawyers. Two years later, he stopped his printing business to focus on law. By 1547, he was teaching law there.
Because of his Catholic beliefs, William Rastell left England and went to Leuven (in what is now Belgium). However, when Queen Mary I came to the throne, he returned to England. Queen Mary was also Catholic.
When he came back, he became a important lawyer called a Sergeant-at-law in 1555. He also became the Treasurer of Lincoln's Inn. On 27 October 1558, he was made a judge in the Queen's Bench, which was a high court.
Rastell continued to be a judge until 1562. He then retired and moved back to Leuven, even though the queen did not give him permission. He died in Leuven in 1565.
William Rastell's Published Works
William Rastell printed many books. The first book he printed under his own name was A Dyaloge of Sir Thomas More in 1531. This was a new version of a book his father had printed earlier.
He also printed:
- Several law books.
- Some poetry.
- An edition of Fabyans Cronycle (a history book) in 1533.
- The Apologye (1533) and The Supplycacyon of Soulys, both written by his uncle, Sir Thomas More.
His Family Life
William Rastell was married to Winifred. Her mother was Margaret Giggs Clement, who was like a foster daughter to Sir Thomas More. Her father was John Clement, who used to teach Sir Thomas More's children.
